Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.
Scientific evidence shows strong social connections can increase longevity and reduce health risks. This sheds light on how continuity theory applies to older adult friendships, revealing why these relationships are so vital for sustaining identity and emotional stability during later life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poor social relationships—marked by social isolation or loneliness—are linked to a significantly increased risk of serious health conditions in older adults. This reality underscores the vital importance of understanding what characterizes friendship in late adulthood and how these relationships evolve to support overall well-being. Friendships in later life are less about a large social circle and more about cherishing a select few, high-quality bonds.
According to the National Institute on Aging, approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 experience some form of hearing loss. This statistic, though specific to one impairment, highlights a widespread challenge: the profound impact of communication difficulties on the social relationships of older adults. These challenges often lead to a cascade of negative effects, including social withdrawal, strained family dynamics, and a higher risk of loneliness and depression.
